Page 48 of The Duke and the Unwanted Bride

They were finally going to consummate their marriage, and the more Hannah thought of it, the hotter she became under her blanket.

The door opened suddenly, and Frederick stepped inside.

“Hannah…” He stood in the doorway, studying her, hesitant to close the door behind him, as if that might announce his intentions. “Farrow said you wished to speak with me.”

“I did—I mean, I do.”

He frowned and tilted his head. “I assumed that was what supper was for?”

A flirtatious smile spread across her lips, and she fluttered her eyelashes. “Would you close the door, Frederick? I am still cold from earlier.” She shifted the blanket. “And you are letting the heat out.”

Again, he hesitated, his dark eyes flicking over her. He licked his lips, considered… and then closed the door.

“I did tell you not to go into the pond. You may have caught a chill.”

She tittered. “No, I am fine. Well…” She looked right at him, making sure he did not misinterpret her words. “Now that you are here, I am feeling warmer already.”

An obvious line, one which she hoped that he would pick up on. But still, he seemed intent on keeping that barrier between them, as if he honestly thought he might stand a chance of denying her tonight.

Remaining in the doorway, he looked at her without looking right at her.

“I am guessing you wish to speak about your sister’s visit?” he asked.

Hannah blinked. “My sister?”

“The Duchess of Hayward,” he clarified. “Farrow said that she paid you a visit earlier but could not tell him the reason. That is why you wished to speak before supper, yes?”

“Oh…” Hannah’s eyes widened with the sudden realization of how rushed and unthought-out this plan was.

She had not considered that Mr. Farrow might inform Frederick of Charlotte’s visit—a ridiculous misstep, for of course he would. And while Hannah had every intention of telling her husband all about it, she had hoped to wait until tomorrow, when they would both be in an infinitely better mood. But now…

“Yes, she… ah, she came to see me.”

“And?”

“Oh, it is nothing.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Not worth discussing, really. But why don’t you come closer, Frederick.” She shifted on the bed and patted the space beside her. “I can hardly hear you when you’re standing all the way over there.”

Frederick frowned. “Farrow said that she insisted on speaking to you only. And that she was only here for a few minutes. Surely, there must have been good reason.”

“She just wished to see how I was doing.”

“And she came all the way here for that.” He raised an eyebrow, disbelief plain on his face. “Surely, a letter would have sufficed.”

Hannah’s mouth went dry. “My sister has always been a worrier.” An awkward chuckle next. “And with how this marriage came about, she simply wished to make sure that everything was fine. That is all.” A smile, a little over-the-top, a final effort to dismiss his questions. “Really, it was nothing.”

“Hannah.” His tone was sharp, as was his stare. “Tell me the truth.”

“You… you think I am lying?” She looked away, for to meet his eyes would be to let him see the lie.

“Are you?” He folded his arms over his chest and stepped further into the room, but was careful not to get too close. “I have a six-year-old, remember? I know when I am being lied to.”

“I…” She grimaced, still unable to look at him.

“Tell me,” he urged, his tone slightly softer. “Whatever it is, you should know there is nothing you cannot say to me. We are married. Your troubles are my own, and if there is something wrong…” he trailed off, for there was no need to finish the thought.

She forced herself to look at him, her stomach twisting with guilt, for it was not anger that she saw in his eyes but worry. Concern, even. He seemed to think that something was seriously wrong, and most strangely, he wanted to know. He wanted tohelp.

Again, Hannah was forced to admit that she knew little about the man who was her husband—a cold man, a harsh man… a caring man, it seemed. At least when he had to be.

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